Inspiring stories shine a light on the need for more foster carers

15 March 2018

The winners of a creative writing competition for foster families have had their stories published online and professionally designed front covers produced.

The award winning You Can Foster campaign organised the competition which was open to children and young people in foster care and fostering families from across the North of England. They were asked to tell their stories, whether fact or fiction – some include a personal account of their fostering experience while others are unique and inspirational tales.
The entries, across five age categories, were judged by famous children’s authors and poets including children’s author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce, poet Tony Walsh, children’s authors Cathy Cassidy, Livi Michael and Dan Worsley.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, who are members of the You Can Foster campaign, currently has over 250 children and young people in foster care and 126 approved foster carers. There is an urgent need to recruit more carers in the borough and it is hoped that some of the moving and insightful stories may encourage more people to consider becoming a foster carer and open up their home to a local child in need.

The stories submitted include one about a superhero mum who welcomes children in to their family home, a unique story of friendship featuring a dog called Poppy and a powerful and moving account of a care leavers journey through the care system that poet Tony Walsh said moved him to tears.

Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I’m really impressed with the range and quality of the stories submitted. Many of the authors have been very brave in expressing their feelings and emotions through their stories. I hope that some of these might help a child in care going through a similar situation as well as highlighting the value and difference that foster carers can make to a child or young persons life.

“We have a real need for more foster carers in our area and I urge anyone who is interested in finding out more to get in touch with our fostering recruitment team. Every child deserves to have the best start in life so if you think you could help, please make that enquiry today and find out how you can make a difference.”

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